I realise the video is quite old, but it might have just resurrected my most precious possession.. Can't thank you enough ! Hope you get to read this comment..
Along with all the other comments, I wanted to drop in and give a whole lotta love to the whole WLL team. After developing a low flow problem through the group head of my 4 year old GCP, I was able to follow the troubleshooting vids to isolate it to either the solenoid valve or the pump. I then spent my Sunday morning following this vid and am now enjoying a lovely locally roasted coffee again. Thanks team! Your explanations are always clear, concise, and easy to follow. Keep doing what you're doing! Much love from AU 🇦🇺
I live in an area with very soft water, where scaling is not really a problem. But my solenoid still gets regularly clogged for some reason. This video has saved me at least four times now. I am so grateful.
If anyone is here because their gaggia has no flow out of the group head but steam wand works fine, this 100% fixed my issue. I had lots of debris in the solenoid. I was intimidated at first, but following along with the video it was super simple to do.
I have to say that I was afraid to clean my Gaggia, but I got thru it. I feel so proud of myself for fixing a leaking that I have inside of my machine too. Happy to be part of this community. Thanks for this video. It was a crucial part of my fixing my Gaggia.
Thank you for this video . I didnt have access to compressed air but a medical syringe did the job perfectly ! I blew the hole with the solution and it threw out small pieces that blocked the flow straight through.I thought this might help someone .Thanks again for this really helpful video!Love from Greece
Thanks for all the videos! They were a big help in getting my 13 year old Gaggia Classic back to working condition after 10 years. It was just sitting there in my shop for all those years because I wasn't getting any flow to the group head anymore. Recently, I came across your videos and figured it might be the solenoid. I still decided to give it basically an overhaul. I took everything apart, including the boiler. I descaled it and scraped the inside of it with a screw driver. I installed a new gasket for the boiler, and group head. I replaced the pump. I really had a hard time cleaning the solenoid. I put it back together, but still, no go. I tried descaler, compressed air a syringe, etc. What worked of all things was just a thin staple that fit in the small hole (that I knew was plugged). It worked!!! Put it back together and I'm in the coffee business again!!! Also, on my old Gaggia Classic, on my last attempt with the solenoid, I was able to remove and reinstall the solenoid without taking the boiler out. Fixing this old Gaggia was definitely worth "a shot." Thanks again!
Hi l4ed, thanks for the comment sharing your experience! Gaggia Classics are fairly easy to repair, parts easy to get and relatively inexpensive. Guess it helps to have a resource like ours with videos that guide you through just about anything! Marc
After a summer of frustration with my machine, culminating in a feeble dribble and purchase of a new grinder, I finally performed open machine surgery. The holes in the solenoid all looked clear with no obvious gunk in there, but I soaked it in descaler as instructed and reassembled it. Perfect! All works fine now.
I just fixed my machine that I was about to send in to get serviced! I had to spend $40 on tools but in comparison to the $150 i would spend sending it it i’m so happy! Thank you so much for the vid!
Hi a, you're welcome and thanks for the comment! Not hard to do. Be sure and lower the calcium content of your source water to prevent reoccurrence if scale deposits were the issue. BWT Water and More filter options work very well. Marc
Soooo much simpler disassembly than the one i just watched! And did it with a cast on! 😃 I feel much more comfortable doing this version, thank you!!!!
i’ve spent the last weeks drinking instant coffee, delaying taking my GCP in for a service. followed this vid step by step and i’m enjoying a coffee while writing this. thanks!
Hey Joel, You're welcome and thanks for the comment! The GCP is very easy to work on. A ton more maintenance and repair info for the machine located on our support page here: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro Marc
Great videos on this by WLL! I had to remove and clean the solenoid valve twice before I could get flow through the brew head. The first time I did a complete removal of the boiler and replaced the group head O-ring. It was pretty flat. That allowed me to inspect the boiler and group head and see a moderate amount of scale. I blew out the solenoid valve with my bicycle pump, reassembled the machine and still no appreciable flow through the group head. The second time, I only disassemble the machine far enough to remove the solenoid valve. This time I used a fresh can of office air and confirmed the 3-way solenoid valve was totally clear. Before I ran water through the group head, I opened the steam valve to direct water through it in case there were any residual particles in the flow channels. Then I closed the steam valve and voila! My brewing flow rate was better than ever! I am back from depending on K-cups for the last few days and didn't have to buy a new solenoid valve. I really feel comfortable working on this machine in the future. But now I'm challenged to do back flushing and cleaning on a more consistent basis.
Hi Dan, Thanks for the comment on the videos! So happy to hear you're off the pre-ground in plastic!!! I'll add one more challenge top back flushing and cleaning... Filter your water to prevent scale in the first place. Reduce the calcium content you can prevent this issue in the future. We recommend BWT products which use ion-exchange to replace much of the scale causing calcium with magnesium. That gets you no scale and great flavor - it's better than traditional sodium based softening. Their Penguin Pitcher is what I feed all reservoir machines with here in the studio: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher Or there are in reservoir options: Bestsave: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter Bestcup: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package Hope that helps! Marc
Thank you guys for doing this. I followed this manual to descale my solenoid valve. It looks much more difficult than it really is. Now my Gaggia is running with good water flow again.
Update! I followed the steps and it went flawlessly. Much better than another vid I first saw. Thank you so much. If I need a part or something and it works to ship to Australia I'll get it.
After 15 months of ownership, water started POURING out of the overflow pipe while brewing. I cleaned the solenoid as per your excellent video. No change. I ordered a new solenoid from you folks. I just installed the new part and YESSS...workie like new! So I'm enjoying a 4pm latte now..usually only one a day in the morning for me. Another cleaning tip I read somewhere: Use a hypodermic needle (if you have one) to poke around in the solenoid valve holes to remove scale along with the other methods described by Mark.
Hi Phil, Thanks for sharing your experience and the tip! I'll add treating water to reduce calcium while maintaining mineral level by exchanging Ca for Mg can help prevent scale issues to begin with. 3 easy ways to do that: BWT BestSave Anti-scale pad filters: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter BWT BestCup in reservoir plumbed filter: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package BWT Penquin Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher We like BWT products as they are the only filters out there using patented calcium to magnesium ion-exchange. Leaves you with mineral level needed for flavor but prevents scale. Sodium based water softeners work as well, but those underperform in taste tests. Magnesium is a better mineral for flavor extraction than sodium. Marc
Thank you for your generosity in making this excellent tutorial video. While I had to do this twice along with descaling twice, my Gaggia Pro is working again like it is brand new. You guys are the best of UA-cam and should get an award! I will definitely buy parts/ machines from you in the future.
Hey dyswo! You are welcome. Thanks for your kind comment. If recurring scale is an issue you might consider filtering your water to reduce calcium content while maintaining the mineral level needed for flavor by replacing with magnesium. Here are a couple options for that. www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher Marc
I never comment on videos, but I managed to fix my Gaggia Classic (no water was coming from the brew head, but was from the wand) after following this video. Thanks a lot!
Mark, thanks for putting this out in the world. Super clear and gave me the confidence to try fixing this myself. Only hard part was taking the nut apart on the solenoid valve, but slowly and surely with a wrench and mallet, it came apart. Back to 100% water flow 💯
Excellent video with step by step instructions. I didn’t have access to compressed air but found that a bicycle pump was a workable option to check that air was flowing through both inlets on the solenoid valve. I hadn’t soaked it for long enough the first time but succeeded at the second attempt and now have a good flow.
great video, fixed my machine following your instructions step by step. very clear, and I won't lie, seeing you do it with one arm did help build my confidence that I should be able to do it with two hands! thanks again
Hey SP, Thanks for the kind comment! Love hearing "1999 GAGGIA Classic". Why I tell people to avoid appliance grade "espresso" makers and go with a true machine! Marc
Thank you, it helped a lot. You've mentioned using compressed air, and in my case this was crucial, as the issue was clogging of the water outlet from the boiler going into valve. I was able to unblock it using pressured air (from small canister available in electronics shops) through a small plastic pipe (provided with the canister).
Marc - Thanks for this great video! I followed your video to the letter for the same symptoms you noted with no water from the brew head. I would play and pause as I did the work and voilà!… it worked like a charm! Thank you so much for the self-help videos like this one and the one about descaling and cleaning the machine too! I need a better solution for filtering water now.
Hi Mike, You are welcome - happy to help! For water filtering check out these BWT options: Bestcup: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package Bestsave: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter Penguin Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher All of the above use calcium to magnesium ion-exchange. When used as directed the prevent scale from forming in machines yet retain the mineral level needed for best flavor extraction. Marc
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I was pretty hesitant in doing this to my machine but I took my time and it fixed the problem. Thanks again 👍🏼
If you have small hands and can apply good power with an allen key in tight areas, you can do this job without removing the boiler. I just did it and used a can of compressed air (used for cleaning dust off keyboards etc...) to blow it clean and it's working perfect now.
Outstandingly clear and informative. My Gaggia wasn't pumping water and I followed the instructions successfully. Didn't see any obstruction in the valve, but cleaned it anyway. However when I plugged it in again to test, I noticed the rubber tubes that sit in the water had become longer. Could it have been kinked rubber tubes causing the problem? Doesn't matter anyway. I now know the insides of my machine, it now works perfectly and I won't be throwing out a perfectly good (and expensive!) coffee machine. Thank you!
Great video. My machine has a PID so when I opened the lid I saw a lot of extra wires. I cannot handle that much. But I work in coffee so I just messaged our head espresso trainer asking for home service! 😅
Hey Marc, I finally pulled the trigger and got my Gaggia Classic Pro. I tried to buy it from you guys but it was really hard to get it to Costa Rica. Managed to get it here for about $100 shipping and taxes. Thanks very much for recommending this for me. Really happy with it. Some trouble dialing in shots. No water how fine the grind they ran fast. In the research I did the past two years I learned the preasure is set to around 15 bars from the factory. So I clipped three turns of the OPV spring and that helped a lot. It's still a bit tricky temperature surfing. Another guy showed with a temperature guage how he could adjust shot temperature by a couple of degrees by using the steam button. Very interesting how he mimicked the job a PID does for a lot less work and money. I looking at a dual probe guage for about $20. Here's wishing you a full recovery and keep the great content coming.
Hi Dan, Thanks for the comments. Temp surfing a classic is tricky but can do it with short steam switch on techniques and knowing where your machine is in its heating cycle. I do not advocate for the OPV mod. You only get higher brew pressure if measuring it static with no release. If grind is dialed in properly brew pressure is within range when actually extracting espresso. Thanks for the wishes - will keep the content coming! Marc
@Whole Latte Love Interesting video, thank you. Are you saying that it's not worth changing the spring in the OPV valve? I've realized that after changing the original OPV spring to a 9 bar one it's harder for me to build good enough pressure from the steam wand. The main reason being that when the pressure gets too high it gets released by the OPV and sent to the water tank...( that's what expected but IMO it's happening to early, maybe I need to tighten that spring to compress it more). So I am also wondering if the original spring is not there for a reason. In terms of espresso taste I can't really find the difference between both. I would say that I was probably able to grind thinner with the previous spring and still be in the 25-30 sec range. Also now the 1st drop is at ~5 sec, before it use to be around ~3.5sec so maybe I am getting better pre-infusion. The all arguments for lowering the pressure is that the extraction is supposed to be better but I can't really taste it and now I am not getting enough steam for proper milk steaming so ya I am also not convinced by the all OPV mod thing on the new Gaccia classic.
very well done tutorial, thanks for the time stamps! Notes for anyone else: You don't have to detach the warming plate (though it is easier to have it out of the way) and you can also use vinegar to clean the solenoid body. Thanks again!
Hey robert, You are welcome and thanks for the comment. Personally I avoid vinegar at all costs. Citric acid is a much better descaler and no flavor taint. Marc
Thank you for the vid. Perfect description of what my Gaggia had wrong with it and a nice easy fix. I ended up having to pull it out twice, as the solenoid gunked up again when boiler decalcifying, but having done it once, the second time was a breeze!
Whole latte love - I’m sorry I live in NZ otherwise I promise I would be customer. You’re an absolute legend in helping me getting my coffee machine back working!
I used a PC air duster to blow out the valve, instead of using compressed air. The straw that comes with it fit snugly and definitely helped to clear out the smaller orifice.
The compressed air tip is no joke. I dissassembled my machine after descaling, and every part of the solenoid was visually clean. Turns out my issue was 100% due to blockages within the channels connecting the solenoid to the boiler (8:57). Even letting it sit in descaler didn't fix it; a can of compressed air, straight down into the small holes did the trick!
I just followed what the video, and it fixed my problem! Thank you so much guys, you really helped save my machine, and my lattes taste even better after fixing this
Hi Spencer, You are welcome! Plugged solenoids are often the result of scale accumulation. Might want to descale more frequently or treat water to eliminate scale potential. We like BWT products for that purpose. Here are 3 options that prevent scale when used as directed BWT BestCup: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package BWT BestSave: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter BWT Penguin Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher Marc
fab video, thanks Mark... was going nuts, had the whole machine apart cleaning it, but had no idea how to clean this part, or that it was so important!
Thanks so much for the full walkthrough. It helped me solve my issue in 1h, after 3 days of frustrations :) Note: I had a new-ish device that didn't have signs of scale, but somehow the solenoid valve was clogged by some black small particles.
I'm getting pressure back through the group when steaming and am wondering if overfilling the basket has caused some coffee particles to get stuck on a valve seat somewhere, making so a valve never closes. Perhaps the small particles you found are coffee?
I tried the full cleanout of the solenoid valve and still no go . the machine only 12months old we are on tank water in qld Australia. Kept trying backflush but on a droplet at a time into the tray. so decided to put half liquid descaler into water trough and sucked through then let sit for 30 minute. Still nothing until about 5 litre then bang back to normal. Thanks for the inspiration to attack instead of sending off for a fixup. Cheers for that
Hi Tony, Happy to inspire and glad to hear you were successful! If your water is hard be sure and keep up on descaling - or better yet treat your water to reduce calcium via standard sodium based softening or for best flavor consider a BWT filter which replaces calcium with magnesium. Used as directed you'll get no scale and magnesium is a better flavor extractor than sodium. BWT options include in-reservoir filter bags, in-reservoir hose attached Bestcup or their Penguin pitcher. Check them out here: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/water-filters?_=pf&pf_v_brand=BWT%20water%2Bmore Marc
Thanks a lot for the tutorial video! It guided me perfectly through the whole process and in the end resolved the issue with my machine! So instead of waiting 2 weeks for the service I was able to fix it in one evening 🎉 Keep up the awesome work guys ❤
Good video Marc. I don't own a Gaggia but I watched this anyway because all espresso machine have Solenoid Valves. I wanted to see how you went about cleaning them. It was a useful and informative tutorial which owners of other makes/models will surely find helpful. Thanks!
Hi Timz, Thanks. Just got the cast off an hour ago. All is well. Red was on purpose for the Gaggia plus our red, white and blue Buffalo Bills who sadly fell one win short of the SuperBowl :( Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks Marc. Unfortunately the problem reoccured after only a couple of shots. Ended up taking the machine apart and descaling the boiler and connecting parts, which were all scaled up, but having put it back together I'm getting the same slow flow on the group head and high pressure on the steam wand. I'm wondering whether I need to replace the solenoid valve with a larger one and a replacement solenoid. Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks, Rob
Marc this is great video, i have a first gen Gaggia i had it for about two years and i descale every month. And just bought a BWT water jug filter as well. And did some upgrades as well bottomless portafilter/upgrades a stainless steel grouphead/rubber and my big purchase was an ECM grinder 64-Manual. Getting addicted to this hobby i am also planning to upgrade the steam wand as well. Great Video, And "Making Coffee Great Again" 🤘
Hey DT, Thanks for the comment on the video. As you might guess I totally understand your addiction :) The BWT Penguin pitcher is a great way to prevent scaling in your machine, keep it running well, it improves espresso flavor and produces great drinking water as a bonus. Nice grinder and betting those upgrades made a difference. If you do the steam wand upgrade we have a how to video for that here: ua-cam.com/video/uQAkYWL3gj4/v-deo.html Marc
Nicely detailed. Good to know it's a job more-or-less anyone can tackle. It's a good advertisement for the Gaggia Classic Pro, and by extension all the Gaggia range.
Amazing. Thanks for great video. Very clear. Shows how simple things are and makes you believe you can do it easily….. i will try the machine now. Fingers crossed.
Hey Jason, Happy to help and thanks for the kind comment. For future reference here's a link to our support section for the Gaggia Classic Pro. It's stuffed full of videos on maintenance, techniques and troubleshooting: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro Marc
Thank you so much Marc. I was wondering why I had such a low water debit and you helped me discover the root of the problem and fix it! Awesome in depth tutorial :)
I realise the video is quite old, but it might have just resurrected my most precious possession.. Can't thank you enough ! Hope you get to read this comment..
This machine is the same 30 years now . Can't get old
Along with all the other comments, I wanted to drop in and give a whole lotta love to the whole WLL team. After developing a low flow problem through the group head of my 4 year old GCP, I was able to follow the troubleshooting vids to isolate it to either the solenoid valve or the pump. I then spent my Sunday morning following this vid and am now enjoying a lovely locally roasted coffee again. Thanks team! Your explanations are always clear, concise, and easy to follow. Keep doing what you're doing! Much love from AU 🇦🇺
Hey 5lat5, Awesome to hear - thanks for comment!
Marc
It's 12th Nov 2024 and I just unblocked a solenoid valve in my 2007 Gaggia! Now the machine works better than ever thanks so much.
Hey y, That's awesome and why I love truly serviceable machines like the Gaggia Classic!
Marc
I live in an area with very soft water, where scaling is not really a problem. But my solenoid still gets regularly clogged for some reason. This video has saved me at least four times now. I am so grateful.
Hey todd, thanks for the comment!
Marc
If anyone is here because their gaggia has no flow out of the group head but steam wand works fine, this 100% fixed my issue. I had lots of debris in the solenoid.
I was intimidated at first, but following along with the video it was super simple to do.
Hey nm, thanks for sharing your experience!
Marc
I have to say that I was afraid to clean my Gaggia, but I got thru it. I feel so proud of myself for fixing a leaking that I have inside of my machine too. Happy to be part of this community. Thanks for this video. It was a crucial part of my fixing my Gaggia.
Glad it helped!
Marc
Just brought back my espresso machine from the dead. Thank you.
Hey MH, happy to help!
Marc
My Gaggia was very slow and then stopped. I followed your instructions exactly and it is now flowing as normal. Thanks so much!
Hi Justyn, You're welcome. Happy to hear it helped.
Marc
Thank you for this video . I didnt have access to compressed air but a medical syringe did the job perfectly ! I blew the hole with the solution and it threw out small pieces that blocked the flow straight through.I thought this might help someone .Thanks again for this really helpful video!Love from Greece
Hi H, You are welcome for the video and thanks for the tip on the syringe!
Marc
Just wanted to say thank you for saving my machine. I couldn’t have done it without this tutorial!
You're very welcome!
Marc
Thanks for all the videos! They were a big help in getting my 13 year old Gaggia Classic back to working condition after 10 years. It was just sitting there in my shop for all those years because I wasn't getting any flow to the group head anymore. Recently, I came across your videos and figured it might be the solenoid. I still decided to give it basically an overhaul. I took everything apart, including the boiler. I descaled it and scraped the inside of it with a screw driver. I installed a new gasket for the boiler, and group head. I replaced the pump. I really had a hard time cleaning the solenoid. I put it back together, but still, no go. I tried descaler, compressed air a syringe, etc. What worked of all things was just a thin staple that fit in the small hole (that I knew was plugged). It worked!!! Put it back together and I'm in the coffee business again!!! Also, on my old Gaggia Classic, on my last attempt with the solenoid, I was able to remove and reinstall the solenoid without taking the boiler out. Fixing this old Gaggia was definitely worth "a shot." Thanks again!
Hi l4ed, thanks for the comment sharing your experience! Gaggia Classics are fairly easy to repair, parts easy to get and relatively inexpensive. Guess it helps to have a resource like ours with videos that guide you through just about anything!
Marc
After a summer of frustration with my machine, culminating in a feeble dribble and purchase of a new grinder, I finally performed open machine surgery. The holes in the solenoid all looked clear with no obvious gunk in there, but I soaked it in descaler as instructed and reassembled it. Perfect! All works fine now.
Hey geo, thanks for the report on your successful surgery!
Marc
I just fixed my machine that I was about to send in to get serviced! I had to spend $40 on tools but in comparison to the $150 i would spend sending it it i’m so happy! Thank you so much for the vid!
Hey m, you are welcome!
THANK YOU! This video had my machine up and running within an hour, and saved me an expensive repair bill. Whole Latte Love is the BEST!
It really helped! I followed the steps and the water flow of my gaggia pro is from zero to the normal amount. Thank you for recording this tutorial =)
Glad it helped! Keep up on descaling or filter water to reduce mineral level to prevent in future.
Marc
I just want to say thank you. With your instructions I successfully cleaned solenoid and now machine working perfectly.
Hi a, you're welcome and thanks for the comment! Not hard to do. Be sure and lower the calcium content of your source water to prevent reoccurrence if scale deposits were the issue. BWT Water and More filter options work very well.
Marc
Finally, someone who knows, thanks for getting right to it and clearly showing maintenance procedure.
Hi ng, you are welcome and thanks for the comment.
Marc
Soooo much simpler disassembly than the one i just watched! And did it with a cast on! 😃 I feel much more comfortable doing this version, thank you!!!!
Just cleaned our machine, we are so impressed with the tutorial. We used a duster for computer. We are so happy. THANK YOU!
Hey Suzanne, Thanks for the kind comment and tip with the canned air!
Marc
This demo saved my gaggia and my sanity for the second time! Thank you once again.
Our pleasure - thanks for the comment!
Marc
"A house isn't a home if it doesn't have compressed air." -- Thank you for all of these amazingly detailed tutorials!
Hey JC, Agreed! You are welcome and thanks for the comment!
Marc
instaBlaster.
This video saved me from buying a new unit. Thank you!!!
Hi AB, You're welcome!
Marc
i’ve spent the last weeks drinking instant coffee, delaying taking my GCP in for a service. followed this vid step by step and i’m enjoying a coffee while writing this. thanks!
Hey Joel, You're welcome and thanks for the comment! The GCP is very easy to work on. A ton more maintenance and repair info for the machine located on our support page here: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro
Marc
Great videos on this by WLL! I had to remove and clean the solenoid valve twice before I could get flow through the brew head. The first time I did a complete removal of the boiler and replaced the group head O-ring. It was pretty flat. That allowed me to inspect the boiler and group head and see a moderate amount of scale. I blew out the solenoid valve with my bicycle pump, reassembled the machine and still no appreciable flow through the group head. The second time, I only disassemble the machine far enough to remove the solenoid valve. This time I used a fresh can of office air and confirmed the 3-way solenoid valve was totally clear. Before I ran water through the group head, I opened the steam valve to direct water through it in case there were any residual particles in the flow channels. Then I closed the steam valve and voila! My brewing flow rate was better than ever! I am back from depending on K-cups for the last few days and didn't have to buy a new solenoid valve. I really feel comfortable working on this machine in the future. But now I'm challenged to do back flushing and cleaning on a more consistent basis.
Hi Dan, Thanks for the comment on the videos! So happy to hear you're off the pre-ground in plastic!!! I'll add one more challenge top back flushing and cleaning... Filter your water to prevent scale in the first place. Reduce the calcium content you can prevent this issue in the future. We recommend BWT products which use ion-exchange to replace much of the scale causing calcium with magnesium. That gets you no scale and great flavor - it's better than traditional sodium based softening. Their Penguin Pitcher is what I feed all reservoir machines with here in the studio: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher
Or there are in reservoir options:
Bestsave: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter
Bestcup: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package
Hope that helps!
Marc
Thank you guys for doing this. I followed this manual to descale my solenoid valve. It looks much more difficult than it really is. Now my Gaggia is running with good water flow again.
Glad it helped!
Marc
This is a textbook way to make a easy, friendly, step by step guide to do anything. Thanks for the info and presentation.
Glad it was helpful and thanks a whole latte for the comment!
Marc
Update! I followed the steps and it went flawlessly. Much better than another vid I first saw. Thank you so much. If I need a part or something and it works to ship to Australia I'll get it.
After 15 months of ownership, water started POURING out of the overflow pipe while brewing. I cleaned the solenoid as per your excellent video. No change. I ordered a new solenoid from you folks. I just installed the new part and YESSS...workie like new! So I'm enjoying a 4pm latte now..usually only one a day in the morning for me.
Another cleaning tip I read somewhere: Use a hypodermic needle (if you have one) to poke around in the solenoid valve holes to remove scale along with the other methods described by Mark.
Hi Phil, Thanks for sharing your experience and the tip! I'll add treating water to reduce calcium while maintaining mineral level by exchanging Ca for Mg can help prevent scale issues to begin with. 3 easy ways to do that:
BWT BestSave Anti-scale pad filters: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter
BWT BestCup in reservoir plumbed filter: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package
BWT Penquin Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher
We like BWT products as they are the only filters out there using patented calcium to magnesium ion-exchange. Leaves you with mineral level needed for flavor but prevents scale. Sodium based water softeners work as well, but those underperform in taste tests. Magnesium is a better mineral for flavor extraction than sodium.
Marc
I'm not gonna lie, it was quite cozy to do this while watching your video
Thank you for your generosity in making this excellent tutorial video. While I had to do this twice along with descaling twice, my Gaggia Pro is working again like it is brand new. You guys are the best of UA-cam and should get an award! I will definitely buy parts/ machines from you in the future.
Hey dyswo! You are welcome. Thanks for your kind comment. If recurring scale is an issue you might consider filtering your water to reduce calcium content while maintaining the mineral level needed for flavor by replacing with magnesium. Here are a couple options for that.
www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter
www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package
www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thanks! While do filter my water, this was a case of negligence on my part, but will look into it! Thanks again!
Thank you so much Mark! You just saved me an expensive service and got me closer to my beloved Gaggia
I never comment on videos, but I managed to fix my Gaggia Classic (no water was coming from the brew head, but was from the wand) after following this video. Thanks a lot!
Hey Steve, that’s awesome and thanks a whole latte for taking a moment to leave a comment!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Cheers, Marc! You’re one of the good ones!
Mark, thanks for putting this out in the world. Super clear and gave me the confidence to try fixing this myself. Only hard part was taking the nut apart on the solenoid valve, but slowly and surely with a wrench and mallet, it came apart. Back to 100% water flow 💯
Hi Bryan, My pleasure and thanks for sharing your experience which should build confidence for others to have a go!
Marc
Excellent video with step by step instructions. I didn’t have access to compressed air but found that a bicycle pump was a workable option to check that air was flowing through both inlets on the solenoid valve. I hadn’t soaked it for long enough the first time but succeeded at the second attempt and now have a good flow.
Hi JE, Thanks for the kind comment and good on you for finding a work around!
Marc
great video, fixed my machine following your instructions step by step. very clear, and I won't lie, seeing you do it with one arm did help build my confidence that I should be able to do it with two hands! thanks again
Hi MP, You're welcome - happy to help!
Marc
Thank you for saving my Gaggia. I followed your instructions to the letter and I managed to clean the Solenoid valve, it works like new.
Awesome Tutorial. Did it today with my 1999 GAGGIA Classic and it all worked out thanks to this video. Great Job and thank you
Hey SP, Thanks for the kind comment! Love hearing "1999 GAGGIA Classic". Why I tell people to avoid appliance grade "espresso" makers and go with a true machine!
Marc
This great tutorial helped me to fix my 25 year old Gaggia Tebe. Thanks a lot.
Thank you, it helped a lot. You've mentioned using compressed air, and in my case this was crucial, as the issue was clogging of the water outlet from the boiler going into valve. I was able to unblock it using pressured air (from small canister available in electronics shops) through a small plastic pipe (provided with the canister).
Hi s, thanks for the report sharing your solution!
Marc
Marc - Thanks for this great video! I followed your video to the letter for the same symptoms you noted with no water from the brew head. I would play and pause as I did the work and voilà!… it worked like a charm! Thank you so much for the self-help videos like this one and the one about descaling and cleaning the machine too! I need a better solution for filtering water now.
Hi Mike, You are welcome - happy to help! For water filtering check out these BWT options:
Bestcup: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package
Bestsave: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter
Penguin Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher
All of the above use calcium to magnesium ion-exchange. When used as directed the prevent scale from forming in machines yet retain the mineral level needed for best flavor extraction.
Marc
this excellent video was exactly what was required - coffee machine is now fully operational. Thanks for your help!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I was pretty hesitant in doing this to my machine but I took my time and it fixed the problem.
Thanks again 👍🏼
Excellent step-by-step tutorial! I can't believe you did it with a broken arm!
Hey c, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
This worked perfectly to bring my machine back to life. Great walkthrough. Thanks so much!
You're welcome! Thanks for the comment!
Marc
Mark, you are fantastic - clear, simple, brilliant
Glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment!
Marc
I tried flushing with descaler for hours to no avail. It was the solenoid valve. Thanks for the instructions
Hi Greg, You are welcome!
Marc
I don't have access to an air compressor so I used a floor pump (for bikes) with a ball pump needle attached. Worked great.
That's a great idea!
If you have small hands and can apply good power with an allen key in tight areas, you can do this job without removing the boiler. I just did it and used a can of compressed air (used for cleaning dust off keyboards etc...) to blow it clean and it's working perfect now.
Thanks for the info!
Marc
Just did this, fixed my very low flow issue, thank you, very well done.
Great to hear - thanks for the comment!
Marc
Outstandingly clear and informative. My Gaggia wasn't pumping water and I followed the instructions successfully. Didn't see any obstruction in the valve, but cleaned it anyway.
However when I plugged it in again to test, I noticed the rubber tubes that sit in the water had become longer. Could it have been kinked rubber tubes causing the problem? Doesn't matter anyway. I now know the insides of my machine, it now works perfectly and I won't be throwing out a perfectly good (and expensive!) coffee machine.
Thank you!
Hi Dave, Thanks a whole latte for the comment! Yes, it's possible a kinked tube was causing the problem.
Marc
Great video. My machine has a PID so when I opened the lid I saw a lot of extra wires. I cannot handle that much. But I work in coffee so I just messaged our head espresso trainer asking for home service! 😅
Hey Marc, I finally pulled the trigger and got my Gaggia Classic Pro. I tried to buy it from you guys but it was really hard to get it to Costa Rica. Managed to get it here for about $100 shipping and taxes. Thanks very much for recommending this for me. Really happy with it. Some trouble dialing in shots. No water how fine the grind they ran fast. In the research I did the past two years I learned the preasure is set to around 15 bars from the factory. So I clipped three turns of the OPV spring and that helped a lot. It's still a bit tricky temperature surfing. Another guy showed with a temperature guage how he could adjust shot temperature by a couple of degrees by using the steam button. Very interesting how he mimicked the job a PID does for a lot less work and money. I looking at a dual probe guage for about $20.
Here's wishing you a full recovery and keep the great content coming.
Hi Dan, Thanks for the comments. Temp surfing a classic is tricky but can do it with short steam switch on techniques and knowing where your machine is in its heating cycle. I do not advocate for the OPV mod. You only get higher brew pressure if measuring it static with no release. If grind is dialed in properly brew pressure is within range when actually extracting espresso. Thanks for the wishes - will keep the content coming!
Marc
@Whole Latte Love Interesting video, thank you.
Are you saying that it's not worth changing the spring in the OPV valve?
I've realized that after changing the original OPV spring to a 9 bar one it's harder for me to build good enough pressure from the steam wand.
The main reason being that when the pressure gets too high it gets released by the OPV and sent to the water tank...( that's what expected but IMO it's happening to early, maybe I need to tighten that spring to compress it more).
So I am also wondering if the original spring is not there for a reason.
In terms of espresso taste I can't really find the difference between both.
I would say that I was probably able to grind thinner with the previous spring and still be in the 25-30 sec range.
Also now the 1st drop is at ~5 sec, before it use to be around ~3.5sec so maybe I am getting better pre-infusion.
The all arguments for lowering the pressure is that the extraction is supposed to be better but I can't really taste it and now I am not getting enough
steam for proper milk steaming so ya I am also not convinced by the all OPV mod thing on the new Gaccia classic.
very well done tutorial, thanks for the time stamps! Notes for anyone else: You don't have to detach the warming plate (though it is easier to have it out of the way) and you can also use vinegar to clean the solenoid body. Thanks again!
Hey robert, You are welcome and thanks for the comment. Personally I avoid vinegar at all costs. Citric acid is a much better descaler and no flavor taint.
Marc
Thank you so much for this, followed it step by step and my machine now works perfectly. Excellent tutorial.
Glad it helped!
Marc
Same here!
This is apparently a $150 repair by Long Beach, CA standards. Thanks for the crystal clear, charming walk through!
Hey Jonathan, Happy to help save you the $150 and you're welcome!
Marc
GREAT tutoriel , had problems with the valve , followed your instructions and now , works perfectly ...thank you
Great to hear and thanks for taking a moment to leave your comment!
Marc
This video save me a lot of money and time. Even for a dummie like me was very easy. Thanks.
Thank you for the vid. Perfect description of what my Gaggia had wrong with it and a nice easy fix. I ended up having to pull it out twice, as the solenoid gunked up again when boiler decalcifying, but having done it once, the second time was a breeze!
Hey Peter, That's great! Repeated clogging can be an issue on scaled machines!
Marc
Whole latte love - I’m sorry I live in NZ otherwise I promise I would be customer. You’re an absolute legend in helping me getting my coffee machine back working!
Just fixed my machine doing exactly this. Thank you so much for this! Greetings from the Netherlands!
Glad it helped!
I used a PC air duster to blow out the valve, instead of using compressed air. The straw that comes with it fit snugly and definitely helped to clear out the smaller orifice.
Hi F, Thanks for the tip!
The compressed air tip is no joke. I dissassembled my machine after descaling, and every part of the solenoid was visually clean. Turns out my issue was 100% due to blockages within the channels connecting the solenoid to the boiler (8:57). Even letting it sit in descaler didn't fix it; a can of compressed air, straight down into the small holes did the trick!
Hi z, thanks for sharing your experience!
Marc
Thank you so much! This brought my Gaggia back to life! Excellent video.
You're welcome!
Very nice instructional video,with very important details.
Glad you liked it and thanks for the comment!
Marc
Excellent video, thanks to this I successfully replaced the solenoid on my Classic, cheers
I just followed what the video, and it fixed my problem! Thank you so much guys, you really helped save my machine, and my lattes taste even better after fixing this
You're welcome - thanks for the comment!
Marc
Thanks for this. Clear and easy and exactly what I needed to do to get my Gaggia Classic back to making crema again.
Hi Spencer, You are welcome! Plugged solenoids are often the result of scale accumulation. Might want to descale more frequently or treat water to eliminate scale potential. We like BWT products for that purpose. Here are 3 options that prevent scale when used as directed
BWT BestCup: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestcup-m-package
BWT BestSave: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter
BWT Penguin Pitcher: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-penguin-2-7-l-water-pitcher
Marc
Thank you so much for posting this video. Saved me so much time and money!
Hey Ron, You're welcome - and thanks a whole latte for taking a moment to leave a comment!
Marc
Very clear.. good lighting ... thank you ... amazing production... very helpful...
You're very welcome!
fab video, thanks Mark... was going nuts, had the whole machine apart cleaning it, but had no idea how to clean this part, or that it was so important!
Hey PR, you’re welcome!
Marc
Glad I came across this. Thanks for erudite description. Saved me time and money.
Happy to help!
Marc
I hate you guys before I have to do this. And love you when it works! Thanks for the help Marc!
Hi CL, happy to turn the hate to love!
Marc
Thank you! This worked perfectly to solve the water flow problem, and your tutorial was well-made and easy to follow.
Hey Evan, Thanks for the comment - happy to help!
Marc
Thanks so much for the full walkthrough. It helped me solve my issue in 1h, after 3 days of frustrations :) Note: I had a new-ish device that didn't have signs of scale, but somehow the solenoid valve was clogged by some black small particles.
Hi SJ, You are welcome!
I'm getting pressure back through the group when steaming and am wondering if overfilling the basket has caused some coffee particles to get stuck on a valve seat somewhere, making so a valve never closes.
Perhaps the small particles you found are coffee?
I tried the full cleanout of the solenoid valve and still no go . the machine only 12months old we are on tank water in qld Australia. Kept trying backflush but on a droplet at a time into the tray. so decided to put half liquid descaler into water trough and sucked through then let sit for 30 minute. Still nothing until about 5 litre then bang back to normal. Thanks for the inspiration to attack instead of sending off for a fixup. Cheers for that
Hi Tony, Happy to inspire and glad to hear you were successful! If your water is hard be sure and keep up on descaling - or better yet treat your water to reduce calcium via standard sodium based softening or for best flavor consider a BWT filter which replaces calcium with magnesium. Used as directed you'll get no scale and magnesium is a better flavor extractor than sodium. BWT options include in-reservoir filter bags, in-reservoir hose attached Bestcup or their Penguin pitcher. Check them out here: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/water-filters?_=pf&pf_v_brand=BWT%20water%2Bmore
Marc
This has fixed my problem and machine now working lovely. Thank you very much 😁
Great to hear! Marc
Really appreciate the care taken to explain everything in this video. Very helpful!!! Thx so much
Hey SB, You are welcome. Happy to help and thanks for taking a moment to leave your comment!
Marc
Thanks for the detailed video, Mark. It was super useful.
Very welcome!
Marc
Thank you so much. This tutorial is great! I could solve my issue here. ☕️
You're welcome and thanks for the comment!
Marc
Great video. I feel confident that I can do this job on my machine now.
You can do it!
Thanks a lot for the tutorial video! It guided me perfectly through the whole process and in the end resolved the issue with my machine! So instead of waiting 2 weeks for the service I was able to fix it in one evening 🎉 Keep up the awesome work guys ❤
Hi Alek, You're welcome! Thanks for taking a moment to leave the comment!
Marc
Good video Marc. I don't own a Gaggia but I watched this anyway because all espresso machine have Solenoid Valves.
I wanted to see how you went about cleaning them.
It was a useful and informative tutorial which owners of other makes/models will surely find helpful. Thanks!
George, Thanks for the comment. Basic principle applies across makes and models! Cheers,
Marc
Marc, sorry for ur hand. But the colour matches the Gaggia well.
Hi Timz, Thanks. Just got the cast off an hour ago. All is well. Red was on purpose for the Gaggia plus our red, white and blue Buffalo Bills who sadly fell one win short of the SuperBowl :(
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Ahh... the American football
Great video, saved me from paying for a service. Thanks so much!
Hey Rob, Happy to help and thanks for taking a moment to leave your comment!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks Marc. Unfortunately the problem reoccured after only a couple of shots. Ended up taking the machine apart and descaling the boiler and connecting parts, which were all scaled up, but having put it back together I'm getting the same slow flow on the group head and high pressure on the steam wand. I'm wondering whether I need to replace the solenoid valve with a larger one and a replacement solenoid. Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks, Rob
Thanks to you I have water flow again!!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for helping me fix my Gaggia.
Hey JLR, You are welcome and thank you for taking a moment for leaving your comment!
Marc
Marc this is great video, i have a first gen Gaggia i had it for about two years and i descale every month. And just bought a BWT water jug filter as well. And did some upgrades as well bottomless portafilter/upgrades a stainless steel grouphead/rubber and my big purchase was an ECM grinder 64-Manual. Getting addicted to this hobby i am also planning to upgrade the steam wand as well. Great Video, And "Making Coffee Great Again" 🤘
Hey DT, Thanks for the comment on the video. As you might guess I totally understand your addiction :) The BWT Penguin pitcher is a great way to prevent scaling in your machine, keep it running well, it improves espresso flavor and produces great drinking water as a bonus. Nice grinder and betting those upgrades made a difference. If you do the steam wand upgrade we have a how to video for that here: ua-cam.com/video/uQAkYWL3gj4/v-deo.html
Marc
I love how much great video content you all have for us coffee nuts!
Hey R, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
Nicely detailed. Good to know it's a job more-or-less anyone can tackle. It's a good advertisement for the Gaggia Classic Pro, and by extension all the Gaggia range.
Hey bcz, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
Amazing. Thanks for great video. Very clear. Shows how simple things are and makes you believe you can do it easily….. i will try the machine now. Fingers crossed.
Hi Miguel, You're welcome for the video!
Marc
Thank you, needed this video to clean my solenoid. Worked exactly as he described. Excellent video Mark
Hey Jason, Happy to help and thanks for the kind comment. For future reference here's a link to our support section for the Gaggia Classic Pro. It's stuffed full of videos on maintenance, techniques and troubleshooting: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro
Marc
Thank you so much Marc. I was wondering why I had such a low water debit and you helped me discover the root of the problem and fix it! Awesome in depth tutorial :)
Hey Ricardo, You are welcome. Happy to help and thank you for taking a moment to leave your comment - it's appreciated!
Marc
Thanks for sharing! Saved my Sunday ❤
Happy to help and thank you for taking a moment to leave a comment!
Marc
Excellent video! You are making it seem so simple. Thank you so much!
You're very welcome and thanks for the comment!
Marc
Thankyou, extremely helpful and easy to follow!
You're very welcome. Thanks for the comment!
Marc
You made that look very simple. I'm now less terrified to try it. 😊
Hi c, Go for it! Not that hard - and hey, I did it with a bum hand!
Marc
My gaggia is flooooowing now!! Thank you so much for this vid! It definitely is a lot easier to fix than it looks. Great vid, off to make a latte! :)
hey a, That's awesome and you are welcome!
Marc
I'm about to dive in and do this fix. Fingers crossed...
You can do it!
Marc
i did it, and it worked a treat. I'm a lot more confident in pulling it apart now@@Wholelattelovepage
thank you，I will clean my gaggia tomorrow❤
Wonderful!
Thanks Mark, nice and minimalist approach. Works brilliantly.
Hey UL, Thanks for the feedback!
Marc
Thank you, your instructions very clear!
You are welcome!
Marc